Influence of forced swimming stress on 5-HT1A receptors and serotonin levels in mouse brain

A significant decrease in 5-HT1A receptor density in DRN, MRN, and hippocampus, accompanied by an increase in labeling of 5-HT1A receptor in thalamus, hypothalamus, and amygdala was observed in ST animals. FS induced a decrease in the 5-HT concentration in the thalamus-hypothalamus, accompanied by an increase in hippocampus areas without affecting 5-HT concentration in the brainstem. Additionally, 5-HIAA/5-HT ratio in the thalamus-hypothalamus area was increased. This study showed that stress alters both 5-HT concentration and 5-HT1A receptors in a region-specific manner.